Mecca the Blessed, Medina the Radiant

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This book offers a unique photographic exploration of the most sacred cities in Islam and the hajj pilgrimage during Ramadan, when millions gather at Mecca's Great Mosque to honor the first revelation of the Qur'an. It provides both Muslims and those unfamiliar with Islam an intimate look at the holiest sites of a major world religion, often misunderstood in the West. Photographer Ali Kazuyoshi Namachi, a Muslim convert from Japan, received rare support from Saudi Arabian authorities to capture images in areas where photography is heavily restricted and non-Muslims are typically barred. This expansive work of photojournalism features 140 full-color photographs, including mystical scenes, breathtaking aerial views of the Arabian landscape, and vibrant crowds surrounding the Kaaba, Islam's sacred center. It also includes intense portraits of Muslims in prayer and stunning architecture that reflects their faith. Archival illustrations complement the visuals, while text by esteemed Islamic scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr sheds light on aspects of Islamic belief that have remained enigmatic to non-Muslims until now.